‘Gutted’ Lucy Spraggan pulls out of X Factor after two-week illness drags on

Lucy Spraggan, one of the favourites for this year’s X Factor crown, has been forced to pull out of the competition after it emerged she would need to miss a second successive week because of illness.

Lucy, who said she was ‘gutted’ to have to pull out, had consistently been among the bookies’ favourites to be in the running for the 2012 title – having wowed audiences with her unique sound and songwriting abilities.

Lucy Spraggan has dropped out of X Factor due to illness (ITV)

But after missing last week’s show, the 21-year-old would have been forced to take a second week off on doctors’ orders.

In a brief statement, Lucy made it clear the decision had been her own – rather than ITV bosses forcing her hand – saying it ‘would not be fair on the others in the competition… to accept another free pass’.

‘I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has supported me. There is no way that this setback will prevent me from fulfilling my ambition,’ she added.

‘You’ll be hearing from me again very soon.’

The singer-songwriter shot to fame in the early stages of the series by performing some of her own material and she safely made it through the first three weeks of the live shows.

But two weeks on the sidelines was deemed to be too much and after she was due to take part in rehearsals yesterday and today but had to miss out she has withdrawn.

Her mentor on the show, Tulisa Contostavlos, said she was ‘sorry to lose Lucy from the competition’.

Tulisa has pledged her support for Lucy Spraggan, despite her act’s enforced exit (Picture: Getty)

‘I have had a brilliant time working with her and I hope I can continue to mentor her in the future,’ the judge said.

One of her closest friends on the show, Nicole Scherzinger’s contestant Rylan Clark, tweeted: ‘Gonna miss u being with me so much @lspraggan I love you x.’

The show and the contest is due to continue as normal tonight on ITV1, although rumours are already circulating about potential reprieves for axed acts or former contestants returning for a second stab at the X Factor crown.